![]() ![]() ![]() The pest may overwinter as larvae, pupae, eggs or the adult moths may migrate south to warmer zones for the winter. When disturbed, they curl up into a “C” shape. Some species, like black cutworms and turnip moth caterpillars also feed on roots, and a few species such as variegated and dingy cutworms are known as “climbing” cutworms and will feed on leaves, flowers and fruit, higher up on the plant. They commonly feed just above the soil line, by chewing through stems until they are cut right off. They feed on a wide variety of plant material with each species having its preferred hosts. They are nocturnal, living in the top 5 cm of the soil or under debris during the day and come out to feed at night. They may be 2 toned, variegated, and usually have distinctive markings like dots, stripes or dashes that help to identify the species. The colouring is usually dull although some are brighter. Colouring can vary appearing brownish, greyish, blackish, greenish, pinkish or yellowish. Larvae: are short, fat, mostly hairless, caterpillars measuring between 2.5-5cm (1-2″) in length. Adults of a few species migrate south during the winter and return in the spring to lay their eggs such as the black cutworm and the variegated cutworm. Size wise their bodies are about 2.5cm in length with a wingspan of about 3-4 cm, although they can be double that size, again like the Large Yellow Underwing moth. Forewings are often darker than the hindwings and may be a different colour all together, such as the Yellow Underwing moth with its bright yellow-orange hind wings. Meet The PestĪdults: moths are commonly variations of brown, black and grey with unique patterning on their wings which helps to identify the species. ![]() There are however several general characteristics, and common methods of controlling and managing this pest. ![]() There are hundreds of species of cutworms and appearances can vary, as well as habitat, food preferences and life cycle. Many home gardeners have encountered them in the vegetable garden, where they chew through the stems of their seedlings, cutting them off near the soil line. Cutworms are a destructive pest insect of a wide variety of plant material. ![]()
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